Bowmore 24 years old Frank Quitely The Dragon’s Prey 50.7%
Every now and then, a bottle comes along that offers more than great whisky. It tells a story.
The Bowmore 24 years old The Dragon’s Prey is one of those releases. At first glance, the artwork immediately catches your attention. Then you notice the age statement. And once you start exploring the story behind the bottle, you realise this is much more than another limited edition.
It is a collaboration between one of Scotland’s most respected distilleries and one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.
Bowmore: one of Scotland's most historic distilleries
Founded in 1779, Bowmore is widely regarded as one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland and one of the defining names of Islay whisky.
Over the years, Bowmore has built a reputation for balance. While many Islay whiskies are known for powerful peat smoke, Bowmore often takes a more refined approach. Its whiskies combine gentle maritime notes, tropical fruit, subtle smoke and remarkable elegance.
This unique character comes partly from the distillery's famous No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. Located below sea level on the shores of Loch Indaal, it provides ideal conditions for long-term maturation.
Collectors and enthusiasts often describe mature Bowmore releases as some of the most complex and rewarding whiskies produced on Islay.
The collaboration between Bowmore and Frank Quitely
What makes The Dragon’s Prey particularly interesting is the partnership with Frank Quitely.
Born in Glasgow, Frank Quitely has become one of the most respected comic book artists in the world. His work on Batman, Superman, X-Men and many other iconic titles has earned him international recognition.
Rather than simply commissioning artwork for a label, Bowmore worked with Quitely to create an entire narrative. The Dragon’s Prey forms part of a larger story inspired by Scottish mythology, adventure and imagination.
The artwork is not an afterthought. It is woven into the identity of the release.
This approach reflects Bowmore's belief that great whisky, much like great art, tells a story. Both require creativity, patience and attention to detail.
A whisky shaped by exceptional casks
The whisky itself has spent 24 years maturing before being bottled at a robust 50.7%.
For The Dragon’s Prey, Bowmore selected a combination of Bordeaux wine casks, Merlot barriques, Manzanilla casks and Oloroso sherry casks.
That combination creates remarkable depth.
Dark fruits, raisins and rich sweetness appear first, followed by subtle spice and layers of oak. Throughout the experience, Bowmore’s signature peat smoke remains present, but never dominates.
It acts more as a supporting character than the main attraction.
More than a collector's bottle
With only 8,330 bottles released worldwide, there is no doubt that scarcity plays a role in the appeal of this release.
But what makes it memorable is that the whisky lives up to the presentation.
The artwork attracts attention. The story creates intrigue. The whisky delivers substance.
That combination is not always easy to find.
Why collectors are paying attention
The market for collectible Bowmore releases has grown significantly in recent years.
Vintage bottlings, special editions and artist collaborations continue to attract interest from collectors around the world. The Dragon’s Prey stands out because it combines several qualities collectors appreciate.
A respected distillery.
A mature age statement.
A globally recognised artist.
A limited worldwide release.
Together, those elements create a bottle that feels distinctive even within an increasingly crowded market.
Final thoughts
The Bowmore 24 years old Frank Quitely The Dragon’s Prey is a reminder that whisky can be more than a drink.
It can tell a story.
Bowmore brings nearly 250 years of whisky-making heritage. Frank Quitely brings imagination and artistic vision. Together they have created a release that feels both collectible and authentic.
And while the artwork may draw you in first, it is the whisky itself that makes you stay.
